Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz Whiskey
- 5 oz Sours
- 1 tbsp Cherry Juice
- 2 Splash(s) Bitters
Instructions
- Mix whiskey. bitters. and cherry juice in a ice-filled cocktail glass. and fill the remainder of the glass with sour mix. Garnish with olives or mushrooms and use a stir stick to mix.
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
This isn't a drink you'll find in any dusty old cocktail manuals, unless those manuals were written last week. The Whiskey Sour Old Fashioned is a modern mashup, taking two well-loved bar staples and smashing them together. No clean attribution exists for who first decided this was a good idea, but it makes sense on paper.
You've got the backbone of a classic Old Fashioned with its whiskey and bitters, then the bright, tart kick of a Whiskey Sour. It's a bridge drink, for when you can't quite decide if you want something boozy and mellow or sharp and refreshing. It tries to be both, and mostly pulls it off.
This is the kind of drink you mix up at home when you've got a little of everything and a crowd that's open to experimentation. It's also a solid choice for a casual bar that isn't afraid to play around with tradition, offering something familiar but with a twist.
What it tastes like
The initial hit is all whiskey, softened by the fruit of the cherry juice and a subtle bitterness from the dashes. Then the sour mix cuts through, bringing a sharp, tangy counterpoint that brightens the whole thing up. It's a balancing act between the rich, oaky notes of the whiskey and the zesty, sweet-tart of the sour.
With 1 1/2 oz of whiskey in about 6.5 oz of total liquid, this drink sits around 9-10% ABV, depending on your whiskey proof. That puts it stronger than your average lager, maybe closer to a session IPA or a light glass of wine. It's got enough kick to remind you it's there, but it won't knock you flat on the first round.
The technique
Building this one is straightforward: grab a sturdy cocktail glass, fill it with ice. Add your whiskey, bitters, and cherry juice, give it a quick stir to get things acquainted, then top it off with the sour mix. A final stir with your spoon or stick ensures everything is properly mingled.
The key here is not over-stirring once the sour mix goes in. You want it cold and combined, but you're not trying to aerate it like a shaken drink. Just enough to mix, then leave it alone. And for the love of all that's good, use fresh ice.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Whiskey
- Use
- A solid Bourbon or a spicier Rye works best here. Their inherent sweetness or peppery notes play well with the sour elements.
- Skip
- Light, delicate Scotch or heavily peated whiskies will get lost or clash with the cherry and sour mix. Save those for their own stage.
- Why
- The whiskey is the backbone. It provides the warmth, the depth, and the boozy character that prevents this from just being a fancy juice drink. Pick one with personality.
Sours Mix
- Use
- Freshly made sour mix is always the move: equal parts fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. If bottled, choose a high-quality brand with actual citrus juice.
- Skip
- Those neon green, super-sweet, artificially flavored sour mixes. They'll ruin the drink and make it taste like a bad party punch.
- Why
- The sour mix is what balances the whiskey and cherry, bringing the 'sour' to the party. Its freshness and tartness are crucial for a vibrant, clean finish.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Spiced Cherry Sour
- A little extra warmth for a cold night.
- Infuse your cherry juice with a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for an hour before mixing. It adds a subtle layer of spice to the fruit and whiskey.
Smoked Old Fashioned Sour
- For those who like a little drama with their drink.
- Briefly smoke your glass with wood chips before building the drink. The residual smoke aroma adds a complex, earthy note to the whiskey and sour profile.
Berry Sour Twist
- Swap the cherry for something a bit different.
- Instead of cherry juice, muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in the glass before adding the other ingredients. Strain for a cleaner drink, or leave the fruit in for texture.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Bourbon or Rye are ideal, but a good quality dark rum could offer a similar depth, though it will change the character.
Combine 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz simple syrup for a quick homemade version.
A splash of grenadine (real pomegranate, not corn syrup red dye) or a muddled maraschino cherry can stand in. Even a dash of cherry bitters if you have them.
This one's tough. Bitters are key. If you absolutely can't find them, a tiny pinch of ground cloves or allspice might mimic some of the aromatic depth, but it won't be the same.
Any sturdy, ice-friendly glass will do the job. A rock glass, an old-fashioned glass, or even a basic tumbler works fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Whiskey Sour Old Fashioned?
It's a mix of whiskey, sour mix, cherry juice, and bitters, served over ice and garnished with olives or mushrooms.
Is it sweet or sour?
It aims for a balance. The sour mix and cherry juice bring sweetness and tartness, while the whiskey and bitters ground it with a drier, boozier character.
What kind of whiskey works best?
Bourbon or Rye are your best bets. Their robust flavors stand up well to the other ingredients without being overwhelmed.
Can I make my own sour mix?
Absolutely. Equal parts fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water ratio) is the standard recipe.
Why olives or mushrooms for garnish?
The prompt indicates olives or mushrooms. While olives are a classic savory garnish, mushrooms are an unusual and unexpected choice that will definitely get people talking. Go bold, or stick with a traditional cherry or orange peel if you're feeling less adventurous.
Is it a strong drink?
It's moderately strong, sitting around 9-10% ABV, which is more potent than most beers but less than a straight spirit. It's a sipper, not a shooter.
What's the difference between this and a regular Whiskey Sour?
A regular Whiskey Sour typically uses just whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup, often shaken. This version adds cherry juice and bitters, and is built in the glass like an Old Fashioned.
What's the difference between this and an Old Fashioned?
An Old Fashioned is whiskey, sugar, bitters, and water, stirred. This drink adds a significant amount of sour mix and cherry juice, making it much tarter and more voluminous.
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